SBA T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined
U.S. Small Business Administration
Free (valued up to $5,000–$10,000)
Researched for this program: 5 rejection traps · 5 required documentsWhat decides this award ↓
Free SBA exec education for growth-stage founders
T.H.R.I.V.E. (Train, Hope, Rise, Innovate, Venture, Elevate) is a free 6-month executive-level training program for owners of established small businesses with at least $250K in annual revenue, 1+ employee, and 3+ years in operation. Participants complete 30+ hours of online modules and 8 in-person half-day sessions with peers and coaches, culminating in a personalized 3-year growth plan.
- Funding type
- Program
- Level
- Federal
- Amount
- No cash award — program provides free executive-level training (valued at $5,000–$10,000 equivalent from private providers), networking, and a tailored 3-year business growth plan. SBA and local partners cover all costs.
- Realistic amount
- Non-monetary — value is in training quality, peer cohort, and growth plan. Graduates report average revenue growth of 25…
- Deadline
- Rolling cohort applications — local SBA District Offices run cohorts throughout the year. Check sbathrive.smapply.io for current open cohorts near you.
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- subsidized services
Who qualifies
- Business must have been in operation for at least 3 years
- Business must have at least 1 paid W-2 employee (owner can count as employee)
- Business must have $250,000 or more in annual gross revenue
- Applicant must be the business owner or a top decision-maker of the company
- Applicant must commit to completing all program requirements — 30+ hours of online modules, 8 in-person half-day sessions over 6 months, and completing assignments
- No specific industry restriction — all sectors welcome
- Priority consideration given to businesses in underserved communities (women, minorities, veterans, rural) but not required
Hard requirements
- Minimum $250,000 annual revenue
- Minimum 1 employees
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- No cash funding — program delivers free training, coaching, and planning support
- All program costs (training materials, facilitation, venue) covered by SBA and local partners
Ineligible expenses
- Not applicable — no direct funding disbursement
How to apply
-
1
Find an open cohort on sbathrive.smapply.io
Visit sbathrive.smapply.io to browse currently open cohorts by city/region. Applications open for specific cohorts — no single national deadline. Filter by location and program start date.
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2
Submit online application
Complete the SmApply application including business information, revenue verification, employee count, personal background, and a brief statement of why you want to participate. Applications typically take 45–60 minutes.
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3
Attend an information session (some cohorts require)
Some cohorts require applicants to attend a virtual or in-person information session before selection. This helps cohort organizers assess fit and commitment.
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4
Receive acceptance and complete onboarding
Accepted participants receive a welcome email and access to the SBA Learning Platform for online modules. Confirm your in-person session schedule and commit to all 6 months.
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5
Complete program and receive 3-year growth plan
Participate in all 30+ online hours and 8 in-person half-day sessions. Work with coaches and peers to develop your personalized 3-year business growth plan. Graduates gain access to ongoing alumni network and SBA resources.
Cohorts in major metro areas fill quickly. Apply as soon as a cohort opens near you — don't wait. Rural areas often have easier acceptance.
Deadline & timing
Applications accepted on a rolling basis as cohorts open in different cities. Cohorts typically run February–July or September–February. Application window is usually 4–6 weeks before cohort start.
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